Conestoga, Grand Erie celebrate Tollgate grand opening

Monday, Oct 27, 2025

Community partners, supporters and friends joined representatives from Conestoga and the Grand Erie District School Board on October 27 at Tollgate Technical Skills Centre (TTSC) in Brantford to mark the official grand opening of the province's first College-Within-a-School program.

"The launch of our College-Within-a-School program marks a significant advancement in our commitment to innovation and community partnership in Brantford and Brant County," said Conestoga President John Tibbits. "By integrating college-level programming within Tollgate Technical Skills Centre, we are expanding access to practical, hands-on training that directly aligns with local workforce needs. This initiative will help equip students with the skills and credentials required to succeed in high-demand sectors, strengthening Brantford and Brant County's economic resilience and future prosperity."

Through a licensed agreement between Grand Erie and Conestoga, the college is renovating TTSC, incorporating technology and resources to offer an even broader range of programming and hands-on practical training to a growing Brantford/Brant County community. The initiative, which was announced in January, builds on the success of existing School-Within-a-College initiatives and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, providing opportunities for students to successfully transition from high school to college.

“We’re grateful for the partnership and opportunity to launch a College-Within-a-School program, building on the success of existing School-Within-a-College initiatives and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program,” said Grand Erie Director of Education JoAnna Roberto. “This exciting partnership expands options and pathways for students to learn technological skills and enter the skilled trades while also allowing the college to expand its range of programming.”

The renovated space at TTSC will allow Conestoga to offer other future programming in key sectors to meet local workforce demands. Initial programs will include a variety of Ontario college certificate and diploma programs. TTSC welcomed its first College-Within-a-School cohort this September in Electrical Techniques.

Conestoga has been a part of the Brantford community for over a decade, delivering accessible, career-focused education that supports local learners and employers. TTSC joins the college's Brantford campus ecosystem, committed to preparing graduates for success with the knowledge and skills today's employers seek and contributing to the local social and economic prosperity. 

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